Present Tense

A favorite of mine in Nashville! Present Tense made for the perfect date night and first anniversary celebration.
I didn’t have a single dish or drink that didn’t taste as good as it looked.
The flavor combinations were unique and perfectly paired.
The moment you walk in you’re encompassed by a calming energy.
The layout of the restaurant makes for an overall relaxing experience.
I can’t recommend this place enough.
I would love to go back for one of their sake tastings!

Owner response

I recently enjoyed the omakase experience at Present Tense, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish.
The ambiance of the restaurant was elegant and sophisticated, with tasteful decor and soft lighting that created a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
The attention to detail was evident in every aspect, from the perfectly set tables to the beautiful presentation of each dish.
Speaking of the dishes, the menu was a culinary masterpiece.
The chef's creativity and skill were showcased in every bite.
Each dish was expertly prepared and beautifully plated, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The ingredients were fresh and of the highest quality, and the menu featured a variety of options to suit every palate.
It exceeded my expectations in every way and left a lasting impression.
From the impeccable service to the exquisite food and stunning ambiance, it is a culinary experience that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking a memorable dining experience.

There's a social element to dining that elevates the experience and makes it more than just trying good food.
Present Tense does this well with their Omakase experience, offering excellent dishes in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
Where most omakase places tend to have an almost sacrosanct vibe as the chef carefully prepares the sushi, Present Tense turns it into a casual place where you can chat about anything, including the Chef's running playlist in the background. The food is great, prepared in minimalistic form so the quality of the ingredients shines more than hiding it in accoutrements that don't make sense.
Loved the play on heat/smoke with shishito peppers, embered pineapples, burnt yam with seafood sourced outside Nashville for diners who might be missing quality fish from either NYC or California. This experience doesn't come cheap so it'll be pricey but it's worth it, including their cocktails that are wonderfully smooth (and strong!).
Prepare to share Japanese beer or sake with the chef then enjoy a delicious dessert to top the meal off. I'm sure they will continue to improve and explore creative flavors, as well as some seating inefficiencies (2-hour seating ran longer and got seated later) but I'm rooting for their team and they can only get better. Hokkaido scallop & embered pineapple was the most memorable from the tasting menu.
Highly recommended!